In 1999, one of my friends purchased a case of the 1970 Fortia at auction for a song. He took a gamble, not knowing its provenance or condition, but the bottles were in splendid shape, and he has already shared two of them with me. The wine possesses nearly an inch of sediment, so it must be treated carefully prior to consumption. The color is a dark murky garnet. The nose offers up notes of smoked herbs, roasted meats, and candied blackberry and raspberry fruit. As the wine sits in the glass, pepper, leather, and incense scents emerge. Unctuously-textured as well as unbelievably fresh and lively, with a thick, hedonistic personality, this sensational Chateauneuf du Pape is still in its prime at thirty years of age. Moreover, it will drink well for another decade. It is a classic, majestic example of Chateau Fortia, the likes of which I would love to see made again.